Universities UK responds to REF 2029 update following pause

The REF is central to the strength of UK university research. It provides a systematic assessment not only of the quality of research outputs, but also of their wider impact and the environments – including the support for people – that make excellent research possible.

We strongly welcome this pragmatic approach, which shows that the four UK funding bodies have listened carefully to researchers and universities. This matters because university research shapes our daily lives, and the REF helps funders target investment where it will drive the next generation of discoveries.